Ultimate Guide: How to Clean a Mattress

The average person spends at least about one-third of their life sleeping on a mattress, so it’s important to keep this household item clean. If you’re unsure how to clean your mattress, continue reading this article that will walk you through the process.

Remove the Mattress Cover

Remove the cover by unzipping it or lifting it off at the end of the bed. Remove any sheets or pillows from the bed and place them in a laundry basket.

Vacuum Your Mattress

Use your vacuum to remove dust mites, pet hair, and other debris from your mattress. You can use an upholstery attachment if you have one, or just use a regular vacuum hose attachment with a soft brush attachment. Clean any stains with mild soap and water as needed before vacuuming.

Spray a Mix of Vinegar and Water

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly onto your mattress. Let it sit for five minutes before cleaning up any excess liquid with paper towels or rags. Vinegar helps kill dust mites, which are tiny bugs that live in beds and cause allergies in many people. It also removes odors.

Let the Mattress Air Out

Once you’ve cleaned your mattress, it’s best to let it air out for a few hours so any excess liquid can evaporate. If moisture remains inside the mattress, mold can grow over time. You want to keep this from happening because mold is extremely difficult to clean. To air out your mattress, you can simply open a window and let fresh air in to dry the mattress.

Rotate or Flip the Mattress

Turn your mattress every few months, so you’re sleeping on the other side, or rotate it 180 degrees if it has a designated top and bottom side. This will help even out the wear and extend the life of your mattress.

Make Your Bed

Now that you’ve cleaned your mattress, you can proceed to make your bed. Make sure to place a mattress protector under the bedspread, so it can protect against stains, spills, dust and dirt, and even bed bugs!